Detroit Windsor International Film Festival focuses on independent filmmakers Fifth year highlights and nurtures a strong independent film community in Michigan and around the world.

DETROIT, June 11, 2012 – The Detroit Windsor International Film Festival focuses on the independent filmmaker in it’s fifth year, the recent changes in the Michigan film tax incentive has dried up many Hollywood and local productions in Michigan, but Michigan continues to nurture and enjoy a strong independent film community. Some of the best of those films will be highlighted in the 4 day festival, June 20-24 on Wayne State University’s campus.

Michigan made films include “Somewhere West” directed by Michigander David Marek, Marek is a Filmmaker, Artist, and Educator This award winning feature film is breathtaking in it’s story and cinematography. . Somewhere West is the story of Ian who after battling with a terminal illness, he decides to forgo treatment and head West in search of solitude and a beautiful place to spend his final moments. However, despite his best efforts, Ian becomes the center of a makeshift family of troubled, but kind-hearted characters who help him in the redemptive process of letting go, opening his heart and finally reaching his undetermined destination. Somewhere West" is a journey of forgiveness and friendship that travels 3000 miles across some of the most revelatory landscapes in the US including: Michigan's Upper Peninsula, The Badlands, Black Hills, Devils Tower, Yellowstone, Great Salt Lake and Bonneville Salt Flats.

“Joshua Tree, 1951” is a fictional bio epic of James Dean during his rise to stardom. Written and directed by Matthew Mishory and starring James Preston in the title role, “Joshua Tree, 1951” redefines James Dean for a new generation. Shot in 35 mm black and white, this movie explores the mythology of James Dean, blurring the lines between fact and fiction exploring his relationships with Hollywood, his lovers and himself. .

Wayne State’s MovingMedia student festival, a branch of the DWIFF, continues to expand its reach into the academic film community with an offering of some of the strongest and best upcoming student filmmakers.

Returning again this year is the DWIFF Tech Fair, featuring free classes, lectures and workshops on some of the most up to date film making techniques and technologies. This networking and learning opportunity proves to be a popular opportunity for filmmakers looking to expand their resume and community.

DWIFF is also partnering with Free Art Friday Detroit presented by Skidmore Studios, a weekly art scavenger hunt in Detroit, that tests your visual knowledge of the city. Multi media creations by local artists are hidden around the city and when found, they are theirs to keep. DWIFF will be placing several packages around the city including works of art and passes to the festival. More information on Free Art Friday Detroit is available at http://www.facebook.com/FAFDET

The complete listing of films, schedule and Tickets are available at dwiff.org. Tickets for additional screenings are $5 available online and at the door of each screening. Come celebrate the art of filmmaking with the 5th Detroit Windsor International Film Festival, June 20-24. For more information on all this, visit DWIFF.org